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Decision Making

DECISION MAKING

IMPORTANCE OF DECISION MAKING SKILLS

Making decisions is a skill that is required of every person in almost every aspect of life. Seldom does an hour go by without an individual being faced with some kind of decision to make. Effective decision making and problem solving skills are especially critical for managers or those who assume supervisory responsibilities. It is hard to imagine a successful manager who is incompetent when it comes to making decisions and solving problems.

MOVING DECISIONS INTO ACTION

We all know that decisions do not mean much unless we back them with the will to carry them out. It is estimated that 40% of management decisions that are made within business are never implemented. This statistic demonstrates the need for managers to have a process that enables them to carry out the decisions they make. This process can be represented in the eight steps that make up a decision path. The purpose for following a decision path is to move from a thinking state into an action state. Once decisions are made and the timing is right, it is time to move the decision through to completion.

MAINTAINING FLEXIBILITY

Part of the worry we encounter when making decisions arises from the natural tendency to think that once we have decided, we are stuck with our choices for good. It is important to recognize that many decisions allow for some flexibility to take place in the actual implementation. Often, we are faced with the reality that one clear choice does not stand out above all of the other alternatives, or in other cases, there may not appear to be any alternatives available from which to choose. Proceeding the best you know how, and adapting as you go along is generally better than becoming frozen in a state of inaction for fear of encountering the unknown. As a result, it takes an element of courage, determination, and recognition that there is generally much more “give” in most decisions than we are aware.

CONSIDER THE TIMING

A sense of timing concerning what decisions are made and when they are implemented is another critical component in the decision making process. A sense of timing requires that we know when to proceed with certain decisions, and when to say no to others. Time is an essential element when making key decisions. Proper timing facilitates smooth implementation and can prevent making dangerous, premature decisions.

DECISION MAKING STEPS GROUP PROCESS ROLES

1. Identify the Decision that Needs to be Made Initiate, give information

Gather information. Find out, summarize.

Encourage all involved to give input Listen, keep communication open.

Clearly state the decision that needs to be made. Come to agreement.

Determine whose decision it is.

Once the decision that needs to be made is clearly state, agreed upon, and written down, then:

2. Come Up With Possible Alternatives Encourage group input/participation.